Why I Praise God

Many years ago, during a Women’s League Ministry meeting, we were asked to name our favorite book and verse in the Bible.  At the time I didn’t have a favorite Bible chapter or verse.  I had just joined MPC and started attending Bible study and Sunday School.  I don’t know why I chose that Psalm, but I remember I had read a verse in Psalm 103, and verse 17 stood out.  My children were younger at the time and they were always on my heart and on my mind.  I was always anxious about their whereabouts, and as I was going through the MPC Museum, I saw this Psalm and verse 17 stood out in my memory.  “But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness, and with their children’s children.”  I looked up this Psalm and started reading and praying this Psalm.  Verse 1 opened my heart and mind for prayer.  Praising the Lord is what I want to do every day, and I understand that is what God created us to do.   Verse 8 tells us, “The Lord works justice for the down trodden, and oppressed,” AND reminds me that God looks out for people of color and the marginalized.  His compassion, grace, and abundant love is what I have experienced and know in my heart, this is the God I serve.  I don’t fear God, but revere, respect and admire Him.  Verse 17 tells me God’s love will outlast my time and my children’s time on this earth.  That is why I praise my God!

Father God, I come to you today thanking you for the gift of this day.  This scripture has strengthened my faith and opened my eyes to the blessings of the Lord.  I’m grateful that You care for those who others look down on and thankful for everything You have blessed me throughout my life.  I pray that others will discover this psalm and it will minister to their lives as it ministered to mine. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen